A SPECIAL INVITATION

A letter from two of TLI's own

Glerizabeth Sanchez-Washington and Chaz Washington — TLI alumni who went on to become educators and leaders in Rochester — have written a joint letter about what TLI has meant to them.

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

For those who may not know, TLI stands for the Teaching and Learning Institute—a program designed for students who aspire to pursue careers in education and leadership, and who are driven to make a difference in the lives of future generations. 

For us, TLI was never just another class; it became a family. Learning extended far beyond pen and paper or listening to lectures. Our days were often hands-on—engaging in meaningful activities, creating projects, celebrating holidays together, and visiting other schools where we observed and learned from younger students and their teachers. As seniors, we were also given the incredible opportunity to participate in paid internships that prepared us for our futures in education. 

One lesson taught by the Delehantys did not fully resonate with us until after graduation: the reality of systemic underfunding and resource disparities in public schools, rooted in historic housing segregation and redlining practices of the 1930s. That lesson deepened our understanding of educational inequities and strengthened our commitment to being part of meaningful change. 

Speaking not only for ourselves but for so many alumni, TLI is—and always will be—far more than a class. The care and dedication our teachers pour into each student extend well beyond the classroom, and the bonds formed among students last a lifetime. For us, those bonds grew into something even greater: a beautiful marriage and a family, including our amazing son. 

Glerizbeth has come full circle by returning to East as a Bilingual Social Studies teacher, carrying forward the passion, integrity, and purpose she developed under Mrs. Delehanty’s mentorship. Chaz continues to live out TLI values as a leader at Bausch and Lomb and more importantly as a father. 

The opportunities we experienced were made possible by those who came before us—individuals who believed in the power of education enough to invest in it. Their generosity funded scholarships, supported programs, and ensured that students like us could thrive regardless of circumstance. 

Now, it is our turn. 

By contributing to the TLI program, you are not simply making a donation—you are investing in future teachers, innovators, leaders, and dreamers. You are helping create  

opportunities for students who will one day look back and realize that their time in TLI shaped everything that followed. 

We are living proof of that impact. 

We hope you will join us in supporting the next generation, because somewhere at East High right now there are students whose lives are about to change in ways they cannot yet imagine. 

With gratitude, 

The Washington-Sanchez Family, TLI Class of 2019